Knee Procedures

Arthroscopy / Meniscectomy / Chondroplasty

ACL Reconstruction

The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is one of the major stabilizers of the knee. Once the ACL is torn it rarely heals. Some people are able to function with a torn ACL. However, many people with a torn ACL develop instability and eventually have increasing damage to their knees with early onset of arthritis. ACL reconstruction has been shown to be an excellent long-term solution. Success rates, as measured by improved stability, can be as great as 95%.

Use of the patella tendon as a graft for ACL reconstruction has remained as the gold standard for the past 25 years. Other graft types have been used and give acceptable results according to some surgeons. When performed by experienced surgeons, complications are minimal and success rates are high. Rehabilitation is lengthy post-operation, but many people are returned to their pre-injury level of activity including high performance athletic endeavors.